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SYRACUSE - A man saved his neighbor from the fire that destroyed his home Wednesday in Syracuse.
The home at 8200 Debra Drive was owned by George J. Cuyler, 82, who lived alone in the house. His neighbor, Larry L. Dennis, spotted the fire then entered the house and pulled Cuyler to safety.
The fire started in the bedroom of the home, said Syracuse Fire Chief Larry Hunter. Cuyler told Hunter he dropped a cigar butt on the bed, which apparently started the blaze.
Hunter said Dennis was working outside on a boat when he saw the smoke coming from Cuyler's house. Dennis said he tried to go in the front door then the back door before finally gaining entry to the house.
Dennis crawled into the house on his hands and knees to find Cuyler. He said he could only see Cuyler's legs through the heavy smoke, but managed to get hold of Cuyler and pull him outside.
Cuyler was treated at Goshen General Hospital for smoke inhalation and minor burns. He was later released. Dennis refused medical treatment for smoke inhalation.
Hunter said the fire caused severe black smoke that also threatened fire crews. Two firefighters were given oxygen at the scene.
Hunter estimated that $100,000 damage was done to the house. The roof in the back part of the house where the bedroom was located was burned through, Hunter said.
The Cromwell Fire Department assisted at the scene.
Hunter said the fire was contained to the house and under control within 15 minutes. Fire crews stayed at the scene until almost 2 p.m.
